sheriff

 
Pronunciation: /ˈʃɛrɪf/

noun

  • 1 (also high sheriff) (in England and Wales) the chief executive officer of the Crown in a county, having various administrative and judicial functions.
  • an honorary officer elected annually in some English towns.
  • 2(in Scotland) a judge.
  • 3US an elected officer in a county, responsible for keeping the peace.
  • 4Australian an officer of the Supreme Court who enforces judgements and the execution of writs.

Derivatives

sheriffdom

noun

sheriffship

noun

Origin:

Old English scīrgerēfa (see shire, reeve1)

Spelling help

Spell sheriff with one r and a double f.